Atlantic Tree Nurseries Conference CTNA Launch
Download the PDF: 2023_10_26_2023_Atlantic+Tree+Nurseries+Conference_CTNA_Launch.pdf
LAUNCH
Canadian Tree Nursery Association/Association Canadienne des
Pépinières Forestières
(CTNA-ACPF)
2023 Atlantic Forest Nursery Conference
Fredericton
October 26, 2023
Rob Keen, RPF
Executive Director
CTNA/ACPC
rkeen@ctna-acpf.ca
705-349-8068
Don Huff
Strategic Advisor
CTNA/ACPC
huffd@ecostrategy.ca
(416) 805-7720
CTNA/ACPF
Trudeau pledges to plant 2 billion trees by 2030
CTNA/ACPF
2 Billion Tree Program (2BTP)
Announced in 2019, launched in 2020
Plant 2 billion trees by 2031
Incremental trees to what’s already being planted
Forest industry plants approx. 600M trees per year as legally required to regenerate areas they’ve harvested
In 2020
Would have required an additional 200M trees per year.
This increase would require significant capacity development in all components of the forest restoration supply chain
CTNA/ACPF - Genesis
April 11/12, 2023 - Ottawa - Meeting of 7 nurseries from across Canada, 2 2BTP staff, 3 Forests Ontario staff
Represented 85% of nations seedling growing capacity
Key Observations and Findings
A general a lack of understanding of the 2BTP
Although approx. 250M seedlings of Contribution Agreements had been signed, no nurseries had been contacted to grow seedlings – a few had last minute requests in Jan for stock to plant in the spring
Window for amortizing investments in capacity to grow additional trees was narrowing quickly.
Concern with investing if Planting Agency folds – nursery taking the biggest financial risk
Skilled labour (Growers) was a significant challenge for many nurseries. Field labour also a challenge.
Concern on land availability
Summary Report submitted to 2BTP staff with recommendations to enhance delivery of 2BTP
Key Recommendations (paraphrased)
Proposals must require proof that the nursery is engaged by the Planting Agency
Develop mechanisms to reduce the financial risk assumed by the nurseries.
Extend the 2BTP beyond 2031.
Establish a national association to represent nurseries that grow seedlings for forest restoration.
Benefits of a national tree nursery association
Enhance information exchange between nurseries
Look for opportunities to increase overall efficiencies of the nurseries.
A single voice representing the interest of nurseries growing tree seedings for reforestation and restoration.
Canadian Tree Nursery Association/Association Canadienne des Pépinières Forestières
Launched October 26, 2023 at the Atlantic Forest Nursery Conference Fredericton, NB
www.ctna-acpf.ca
The voice of the Canada’s tree nurseries.
As of Oct 20, 2023
Membership
12 Member Nurseries
39 Affiliate Nurseries
PRT – 22
OPPFQ – 12
Coast to Coast – 5
Total 51 Nurseries
Represents more than 90% of the nation’s tree seedling growing capacity
As of Oct 20, 2023
Partners
Forests Ontario/Forest Recovery Canada
Forest Gene Conservation Association
National Tree Seed Centre
Canadian Institute of Forestry
Forest Products Association Canada
Sustainable Forestry Initiative/Program Learning Tree
A special thanks to Forests Ontario/Forest Recovery Canada for being a significant partner in facilitating the creation of the Association.
As of Oct 20, 2023
Founding Sponsors
Maple Leaves Forever
a charitable foundation that advocates for and supports the planting of Canadian native maple trees.
Harnois Industries
Lumineux de nature | Brighter by design.
CTNA/ACPF – Next Steps
As of Oct 20, 2023
Increasing Seed Capacity
Association will be assisting Forests Ontario/Forest Recovery Canada, Forest Gene Conservation Association, National Tree Seed Centre with a national Seed Capacity Study
Skilled Labour
Association will be working with Forests Ontario/Forest Recovery Canada, Project Learning Tree, 2BTP staff and ESDC to assess education and training opportunities for nursery sector.
Economic Analysis
Third party study to provide the economic and social contributions of the nursery sector.
Update on 2 Billion Tree Program (2BTP)
Published on : 21 Oct 2023, 6:00 pm
CTNA/ACPF – Next Steps
Update on 2 Billion Tree Program (2BTP)
Contribution Agreements – 370M by 2031
As of 2023 – 110M seedlings planted
1.89B remaining – starting 2024 will require an additional 270M trees per year.
Plus - Consider the additional seedlings required to restore our wildfire destroyed forests
Wildfires of 2023
18 million ha of Canada’s forests destroyed
Previous 10 year average – 2.4M per year
Seedlings required
2k per ha, 50% plantable ha = 18B seedlings
CTNA/ACPF - Update
Increased capacity in forest restoration is needed!
Advocate to all levels of government to commit to restoring our forests
Commitments beyond 2031 must be made!
Recognize that a long-term vision is required to achieve the goal
Ensure that all aspects of the forest restoration supply chain are considered
Engage experts to build programs to facilitate restoration programs
Ensure that the appropriate resources are committed and the necessary incentives are provided to encourage investment in capacity
Develop education/training programs to address labour shortages
CTNA/ACPF – Next Steps
What we heard
Seedlings aren’t marbles - growing seedlings is a highly complex process
Lack of understanding of nursery processes
Lack of understanding of seed procurement
Growing seedlings in a life-long passion and commitment.
All are committed to growing healthy forests
Great time to plant trees
Labour, Labour Labour!!! skilled and field
Join the voice of Canada’s tree nurseries.
We want to hear from you.
Questions
Rob Keen, RPF
Executive Director
CTNA/ACPC
rkeen@ctna-acpf.ca
705-349-8068
ctna-acpf.ca
Don Huff
Strategic Advisor
CTNA/ACPC
huffd@ecostrategy.ca
(416) 805-7720